China's Minister of Public Security has assured foreign nongovernment organizations operating in the country that China supports their activities amid fears that a controversial new law governing NGOs could hamper the development of civil society.

Western governments and foreign nonprofit groups are pressuring China to revise the proposed law, which they say would severely restrict the activities of NGOs, business groups and universities.

The draft law, which was opened for public consultation in May, requires foreign nonprofits to find an official sponsor, typically a government-backed agency, and gives broad latitude to the police to regulate activities and funding.